WSSU vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

Compare Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC with Salem University in Salem, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winston Salem State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winston Salem State University 15:1; Salem University 19:1.

WSSU vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU or Salem University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Salem University than WSSU ($10,231 vs. $12,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 26.9% lower than at Winston Salem State University ($8,400 vs. $11,484).
• Salem University is 94.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $5,774 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41% higher at WSSU than at Salem University (about $4,882 more per year; $16,782.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Winston Salem State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Winston Salem State University students is 17.4% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($10,057 vs. $8,569).

WSSU vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSSU or Salem University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Salem University and WSSU.

• Salem University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.

WSSU vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU and Salem University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Winston Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Salem University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $33,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $955 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($25,663 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($265 vs. $275).
• More WSSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 27%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.